WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Academy recently named its Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year.
The Teacher of the Year is Lauren Churchill. Her involvement with the music department at The Woodstock Academy provides her the unique opportunity to work with many of her students for four years. As her students grow through their high school careers, so do her connections with each of them.
“I feel very lucky to spend so much of these formative years teaching and helping students to grow into incredible humans,” said Churchill, adding, “Whether I have a student for four years or one semester, I truly think of them as my kids and feel an immense amount of joy when I am able to help a student discover their strengths and build self-confidence.”
Churchill has become heavily involved in all-things music in and out of the classroom during her fifteen years of teaching at The Academy. She teaches concert band, symphonic band, percussion prep, piano I, piano II, music theory ECE and unified music. In addition, she is a co-advisor for Tri-M Music Honor Society, conducts the jazz band, directs and conducts the annual spring musical, and manages the private music lesson program at The Academy.
While Churchill is widely recognized for her high-caliber ability to teach music to students of all experience levels, her students were eager to emphasize the impact she’s made on them through her consistent display of kindness and positivity. Since re-introducing a sense of normalcy to the school community after shifting back to in-person learning, Churchill’s classrooms have been especially noted as a space for students to safely express themselves and the challenges they face. During the nomination process for Teacher of the Year, a student wrote, “While I’ve been struggling, Mrs. Churchill has been with me every step of the way. She has so much love for all her students and when the going gets tough she doesn’t shy away, she helps us with any problems we have.”
For five years, Paraprofessional Crista Peters has been known at The Woodstock Academy as a warm, positive human with a genuine dedication to helping students succeed.
Peters began her paraprofessional role floating around classrooms between students, helping them stay on task, answer any questions, and listen to each student’s need and desire to excel. She is passionate about getting to know the entirety of her students; how they are doing, what they need, and creating an individualized experience for each student to get the very best out of them.
“Crista is an exceptionally kind person, always willing to meet students where they are, providing them support and encouragement to help them succeed. When we were remote last school year, Crista came in to run our Intensive Learning Lab so that students who were struggling with learning at home had a safe and supportive place to come in to complete their learning,” said Dr. Michael Harten, dean of academics.
During the nomination process for Staff Member of the Year, it was clear that Peters is a well-loved presence in The Woodstock Academy community. One nomination from a faculty member wrote, “Crista does amazing work with students, often those with the greatest needs – students who often are resistant to that help. Her persistence, care, and dedication help break down those barriers.”
Over the past year and a half, Peters has been successfully managing Learning Assistance Block, a program designed for students who need additional academic support. In this role Peters had the opportunity to work with a variety of students during all four blocks, connecting with them while building their trust and confidence to complete class assignments with independence. “Seeing the student feel like they can in fact do it is priceless,” she said. Peters is departing the Academy community to pursue her next chapter.

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Angel Cosme, Marine, Vietnam war vet
PUTNAM — Angel Cosme, 73, of Five Mile River Rd., died July 3, 2022, at Hartford Hospital.
Born on June 26, 1949, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Maria and Eleuterio Cosme.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corp, as Lance Corporal from July 1967 until October 1969, and was awarded the Purple Heart for his contributions during his service in Vietnam, as well as other respective awards and accolades.
He retired from AT&T (formally SNET) where he enjoyed a long career as a telephone lineman.
Angel loved being near water, especially the ocean.
He enjoyed swimming, scuba diving and being on his sailboat.
He was a music fanatic, and you could often see him on his guitar or playing his harmonica.
He was the life of a party with his witty sense of humor and his desire to ensure everyone was having a good time.
He always made sure you knew his home was your home.
He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend and will always hold a big place in our hearts.
He leaves his wife of 40 years, Debra (Hayes) Cosme; his son, Angel E. Cosme (Paula), and grandson Aidan of Norwalk; his daughter, Maria Cosme of Danielson; his sisters, Lilian and Maria Cosme of Altadena, Calif., Miriam Galarza of Vacaville, Calif., and Lydia Cosme-Santiago of Brewster, NY; brothers, Manuel Cosme and his wife Sandra of Maiden, N.C., and Jimmy Cosme (Donna) of Harriman, Tenn.; stepsons, Gary Cutler of Seattle, and Shawn Cutler of Gardner, Mass.; stepdaughter, Crystal Ethridge of Putnam, and two step-grandsons, Nathan and Jacob Cutler of Pomfret.
The Funeral is private.
Donations: Soldiers, Sailors & Marine Fund, 864 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, CT 06114-3184; or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.
Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Florence K. Aucoin
PUTNAM — Florence (Squarcia) Aucoin, 92, of Sabin St., died July 2, 2022, at home.
 She was the wife of the late Raymond U. Aucoin.  Born in 1929 in Portsmouth, N.H., she was the daughter of the late Domenick Squarcia and Eva (Abram) Squarcia.
Mrs. Aucoin owned and operated Modern Lumber from 1957 to 1967.  She also owned the Buccaneer Inn in St. James City, Fla., from 1971 to 1984, and the Buccaneer Boats Marine, and St. James Restaurant. She also worked for IBM.
Florence loved playing bingo, making puzzles, and playing cards with her amazing caretakers Robert and Judy Billings. Mem, as all the family called her, loved her family and family gatherings were such a comfort to her.
She leaves her son Peter Aucoin (Elizabeth) of Putnam; three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, her daughter, Susan Aucoin, and her two sisters, Leonora Durand and Theresa Kolat.
The Funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

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Wed.  July 13
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK ---  The Woodstock Recreation Dept. and the Northeast CT Arts Council will present a free Twilight Lawn Concert at 6:30 p.m. at Roseland Cottage. Bring the kids, bring a picnic or visit Latin Flavors food truck on site. Family concert with Sally Rogers.

Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library series, “Reassembled,” artwork by Tianna Mercier through July 28 and, in the display case: “Thompson Public Library Children's Summer Programs.  860-923-9779.

Back-to-School Drive
PUTNAM --- Putnam EMS is running its annual Back-to-School Drive through Aug. 12. Drop off: back packs, pencils, pens, red pens, paper, notebooks, binders, folders, rulers, scissors, glue, glue sticks, pencil sharpeners, crayons, colored pencils and markers at the EMS station on Church Street. 860-928-6996.

Sat.  July 16
Shakespeare
PUTNAM --- The Starling Shakespeare Company, currently in residence at The Woodstock Academy’s South Campus will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 6 p.m. at Rotary Park. Open to all. Free.

Sun.  July 17
Poetry Reading
WOODSTOCK --- Another in this year’s summer spoken word/poetry readings at Roseland Park will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Roseland Park. The event will be in the outdoor amphitheater or the Pavilion in case of extreme weather. Chairs recommended.

Sat.  July 23
‘Other’ Disposal
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will hold its bulky waste, scrap metal, appliances, mattresses, electronics disposal and recycling event from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Putnam Middle School. Putnam residents only. Bring driver’s license or other proof of residency. Sticker requirements still apply. You may bring: Furniture, large appliances, plumbing fixtures, mattresses, TVs, computers, monitors, printers, VCRs, microwaves, old stereos, computer parts, scrap metal and miscellaneous electronics.

Sat.  July 23
Concert & River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present an Alfresco Concert at 7 p.m. at Rotary Park followed by River Fire at 8:30 p.m.

Sat.  July 30
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Recreation Commission and Historic New England will present, as part  of its annual Twilight Concert series, Dynamite Rhythm from 7 to 8:30 (rain date:  Aug. 12) at Roseland Cottage. Free. 860-928-4074.

Golf Tourney
PUTNAM --- The American Legion Post 13 will hold a golf tournament starting at 8:30 a.m. at Connecticut National Golf Course. For info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fri.  Aug. 5
First Fridays
PUTNAM --- This year the Putnam Business Association’s First Fridays returns to its roots --- celebrating the arts. Artists, vendors, performances and more will fill Main Street in downtown Putnam from 5 to 9 p.m. www.discoverputnam.com.

Sat.  Aug. 6
Wee Walk
POMFRET --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Bats at Lyon Preserve” will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org

Sat.  Aug. 13
History Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Historic Mills of Pomfret” by Dick Symonds at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Concert & River Fire
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam will present Tournadeau Jazz & Blues in concert at 6:30 p.m. followed by River Fire at 8 p.m. at Rotary Park.

Fri.  Aug. 19
Twilight Concert
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Recreation Commission and Historic New England will present, as part  of its annual Twilight Concert series, Beck N’ Call from 7 to 8:30 (rain date:  Aug. 26) at Roseland Cottage. Free. 860-928-4074.

Sun.  Aug. 21
Car Cruise
PUTNAM --- The Main Street Car Cruise will happen from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. around downtown Putnam and Rotary Park.

Pluck-A-Duck
PUTNAM --- Pluck-A-Duck Extravaganza will be held at the Hale YMCA pond from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be games for kids, face painting, create-a-card for veterans and seniors and more in the Kid Zone.

Sat.  Sept. 10
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Common Sense: TLGV Town Commons and Greens” by Bill Reid at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Sun.  Sept. 11
Fund-raiser Jazz
WINDHAM --- The Windham Free Library presenting Jazz in the Garden from 3 to 6 p.m. Music, food, drinks, auction. $60 presale/$65 at event. Benefits the library. https://thewindhamfreelibrary.org/jazz/

Fri.  Sept. 16
Circle of Fun
PUTNAM --- St. Mary Church, Putnam will be holding its 50th Circle of Fun Sept. 16, 17, 18. The 49th was delayed by the pandemic. There will be free entertainment, great food, beverages, games and rides, as always.

Sun.  Sept. 18
Lap the Lake
DAYVILLE --- The 10th annual NOW ~Lap the Lake~ Road Race & Walk fund-raiser. It’s a scenic 5K run and walk along private roads surrounding Alexander’s Lake. There is also a kids run. For info, to register or to be a sponsor, go to: nowinmotion.org

Sat.  Oct. 1
Wee Walk
WOODSTOCK --- The Wyndham Land Trust’s family-friendly Wee Wander Walk, “Leaves and Mushrooms at Rapoport Preserve” will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dress appropriately and bring your camera. www.wyndhamlandtrust.org

Sat.  Oct. 8
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

Sat. Nov. 5
Dueling Pianos
PUTNAM --- Day Kimball Healthcare will present Dueling Pianos Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino at 7 p.m. at Connecticut National Golf Club. Benefit: Day Kimball Healthcare At Home. More Info: daykimball.org/pianos.

Sat. Nov. 12
Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “The Last Green Valley Notables & Notorious” by Bill Reid, TLGV chief ranger, at 10 a.m. at the Pomfret Community & Senior Center on Rt. 44. Free. More info on the town’s website.

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